Visit my website Rocket-Olds.com
Updates
1/2/06
Today I relocated my engine block to my computer room for display. I mounted the cyl. heads, intake, and a pair of modified Double Pumpers. Sometime later this year, after the 'cuda is done I will once again tend to the Cutlass.
1/4/06
Today the main studs arrived!! Word of advice, if you're going to buy a Milodon part, make sure it is in stock or expect to wait. I ordered these studs back in June!! Well they're here and at the right time because I decided to finish the Cutlass before the 'Cuda.
These are Milidon part # 81217 Oldsmobile 455 main studs w/ windage tray.
8/24/06
Yesterday I dug out the Cutlass from behind my Cuda and washed it. I am going to drive my Cutlass through the winter with the stock drive train. Then in the spring I am going to yank the 350ci and install the 455ci in front of the stock tranny and rear end. And all next year I am going to be collecting the rest of the drivetrain components. Before I drive the car this winter, I am going to put new tires on it, redo the BONDO work and put more of the Hemi Orange lacquer paint, and complete the grill.
I found a little treat when I walked around my car. :)
8/31/06
Yesterday I received the first part I need for the installation of the big block. The manual brake convertion kit. I ordered it from Master Power brakes. The kit consisted of a master cylinder, adjustable pushrod, and a firewall adapter plate. This kit fits GM Full size as well as GM A-Body. Tomorrow I am buying 4 new 215/70R15 tires and mounting them on my 15x7" chrome "Chevy ralley" styled rims.
Master Power Brakes part #'s
Manual brake conversion kit - MC1702K
Firewall plate - AD2732K
Adjustable Pushrod (included with Conversion Kit) - PR4721K
I received my sample of my New Rocket-Olds Black T-Shirt.
Available on my website Rocket-Olds.com
I also picked up the much needed 4 speed hump for my Cutlass. Since I will not be using a center console, it is imperative that the shifter boot be level and flat.
9/9/06
Today I replaced my hood latch since the spring broke in the original. It was easier to obtain an entire latch than a replacement spring. I bought new tires for my car last week. I had them mounted on a set of chrome unilug steel rims. All four tires are 215/70R15. I mounted the new rims and tires on my car today. My car looks good for a two year old lacquer paint job with only two coats. I am going to redo the body work and repaint it with the same paint.
1/31/07
Today the valve cover arrived for my motor. These are GM Performance Parts. They are thick and really nice quality. I would recommend these for anyone who's building an Olds (and has manual brakes). They cost $119.95 each.
3/11/07
The Cutlass is back on the road!! Happy. I found a fuel leak yesterday so I'll be fixing it today.
3/14/07
Today my new rear suspension came in. After driving the car for the first time in almost two years I realized that the rear suspension bushings are shot. So instead of just buying new bushings and dealing with trying to press them in, I bought the new control arms I was going to buy in the future. I did a combination of Edelbrock and Hotchkis parts. I used Edelbrock upper arms. Because in A-bodies if you have Poly bushings in the frame, the suspension binds during corners. The Edelbrock arms have spherical ends that rotate which elimates the bind. I liked the design of the Hotchkis arm brace more than the Edelbrock. The shocks are bad too. A set of KYB's will fix that problem.
4/1/07
Yesterday I installed the new Edelbrock and Hotchkis rear suspension components. I didn't take any pictures yet. I couldn't remove the upper bushings on the rear end and since there were also the only ones that still looked in good shape I left them for now. I'll wait until the Dana comes along to deal with that. I took the car for a nice drive and it handles alot better but mostly do to the fact that it has new bushings. All need now are new shocks and swaybars and the entire suspension front and rear will be new and fresh.
11/9/07
I disassemble me Cutlass a couple of weeks ago. The body is off the frame. I sold the 455 and will be sending the 350 out to scrap. I haven't taken pictures of the car in a while, been in Florida for the Orlando World Street Nationals at the end of October. The Cutlass will not be GM powered, hahaha. Once the frame is coated and the body remounted on the poly bushings, it is going into storage until after the Challenger is finished.
12/1/07
The car is back on the frame comforted by poly bushings.
coating the frame, tight space.
attaching the body
body is back on
still have to finish the front of the frame
mocking my old cast iron Hemi
detailed the Hemi
Back on all four wheels
Page 1: Exterior/intro
Page 2: Interior
Page 3: Chassis
Page 4: Engine
Page 5: Engine machine work
Page 6: Engine Build-up specs
Page 7: Fun at Lebanon Valley Dragway
Page 8: Updates
Page 9: Updates 2
Page 10: A New Beginning
Visit my website Rocket-Olds.com
